I have been thinking about the truth in religion. The Muslims say that the Bible has been corrupted and the Koran is the infallible unaltered word of god. They believe that Allah is the same God that is in the Bible, but the Bible has been corrupted by man and therefore is no longer true. One could ask the question, why would God allow His word to His people become corrupt? If God would allow that, what kind of weak God do you serve? How are you supposed to follow Him, if you do not even know what’s truth? With that thought process you could conclude that the Muslim faith is the true faith. It stands alone… there are no knock off’s. It is unaltered. Meanwhile you have the Bible that has all kinds of knock off’s. Which knock off is true? I don’t want to follow a God that can’t even keep His word uncorrupted.
There is of course another side to this coin. There is obviously good and evil. You can say this because everybody knows there are things that are right to do and things that are wrong to do. What might be right to someone might be wrong to someone else, but right and wrong always exist. And since there are different considerations of right and wrong; further makes the point that there needs to be a standard. That standard is the Bible. So if you’re evil, what is the best way to deceive someone? The best way is to mix truth with non-truth. If you were a person that didn’t believe any religion, but knew there had to be something more to this life. How would you go about finding where to start first? I’d say you’d start looking for something that is common between all religions. Without going into all the commonalities, I’ll point out one. Have you noticed how many religions recognize Jesus Christ either as God or a good man? With Him being in so many religions, would it be dumb to think that there must be something special about this “man”? It seems to me that He is the truth that is getting mixed in with non-truth. Satan has been doing a great job and washing down the importance of Jesus. But in doing that washing down, he has made it obvious that there is something special about Jesus.
Checkout this “new” Christianity… http://www.newchurch.org. Washed down truth mixed with deception.
A recent poll claimed that about half of all professing Christians don’t believe that Jesus is God, or that the Holy Spirit and Satan even exist.Smaller but still significant percentages don’t believe that Jesus lived a sin free life or that He is the only way to salvation.This has prompted questions about whether this means they aren’t really saved.I remembered an article on this subject that I wrote a number of years ago and in response to these questions I have updated and expanded it.I believe it will explain what you have to believe about Jesus to be saved.Let’s read it.
The Other Six "Jesus' "
Ever suspect while talking with someone that you may have a mutual friend? Then as you get further into the conversation you realize that you are describing two different people who happen to have the same name? So it is with discussions of Jesus. The name’s the same but the descriptions vary widely. Over the years I’ve collected numerous descriptions of men named Jesus. Which one do you know?
First there’s the Jesus of Judaism. He’s known in Jewish writings as the illegitimate son of Miriam (Mary). He lived in the first century CE (they don’t use AD) and led people away from main stream Judaism into a cult. His followers were first called Netzerim (people of the branch) and later Christians. In his name Jews have been persecuted unmercifully over the centuries.Jews who admit to believing He was their Messiah are often considered dead to their families. Jews don’t believe in a second coming because they don’t believe there’s been a first one.
Then you have the Jesus of Islam.He was a prophet and teacher on a par with Mohammed. His role was to help prepare people for the great leader from Allah coming at the end of time to judge the world.He was born of a virgin but was not the son of God because the Quran says “God begets not, nor is he begotten.”He didn’t die for the sins of the people because in Islam salvation comes from good works.Neither was he resurrected. Instead, in a time of confusion God took him live into heaven and someone else was crucified.He will return at the end of the age to defeat the anti-Christ, call everyone to Islam, and prepare the world for judgment.
The Jesus of Mormonism is the spirit brother of Lucifer.Both are sons of a god who was once a man and one of his many wives.This Jesus became a human as the result of a sexual union between the Mormon god and an unmarried Jewish girl named Mary. He’s often called the Savior but never Lord, because although he’s one of god’s sons, he’s not god.If he determines that you’ve done everything you possibly can to earn your own salvation and are still short, he’ll graciously make up the difference.He’ll return at the End of the Age, having protected his saints through the time ofGreat Tribulation, to set up his kingdom.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have a Jesus too. He’s a son of Jehovah, but He’s not God. Rather, he was a perfect man just like Adam originally was.Before he became a man he was the Archangel Michael, who The Witnesses believe to be Jehovah’sfirst created being.Just believing in Jesus is not enough to save us. we also have to become a Jehovah’s Witness, be baptized, and obey God’s laws all of our life to prove ourselves worthy.Their Jesus wasn’t physically resurrected, but came back to life in Spirit form.He returned to Earth in Spirit form in 1914 and will become a physical being again at Armageddon.
Then there’s the Jesus of the liberal denominations. He’s a first century man who lived an exemplary life of such gentleness and grace that it was almost as if he was God. He’ll see that everyone who joins their denominations gets accepted into heaven whether they’re born again or not. Some proponents of liberal theology claim that he’ll also see that everyone who was sincere in whatever other religion they practiced will get to heaven too. For the most part, liberal denominations don’t believe in the literal fulfillment of End Time events.For many, the 2nd Coming happened to each person when they first believed in Jesus.
The New Age Jesus is really one of the oldest. He originally appeared in first century Gnosticism. This Jesus was a man who like 40 other “ascended masters” holds the key to knowledge (gnosis) that when learned will bring about the next phase of human evolution, a spiritual growth that will finally make peace on earth possible. He didn’t die for our sins because there’s no need for us to be saved.
You’ll find variations on these six themes in nearly every major religion and cult around today. It seems every body wants you to think they know a man named Jesus, even if they have to redefine him to suit their beliefs.
The Real Jesus
But there is one more man named Jesus. He is not a created being.On the contrary He is our Creator. As Paul wrote in Colossians 1:16,By him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He’s not an angel and he’s not a mere man, because He created both.The archangel Michael might be the first created being, but if he is, Jesus is the one who created him.And Lucifer may have many brothers, but if he does, Jesus created them all.
This is the Jesus of the Bible. He claimed to be God in the form of man (John 10:30 and 14:9). Men who knew Him agreed. Paul taught the Deity of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-16. So did John (John 1:1-3). The writer of the Book of Hebrews also agreed (Hebr 1:3) and included a quote from Psalm 45:6-7 that shows God Himself addressing Jesus as God (Hebr 1:8). And this is not just a New Testament idea.In his prophecy of the Messiah’s birthplace, Micah said He was an eternal being whose goings forth were from days of eternity.Literally from before time and perpetual. (Micah 5:2) He is the eternal God.
Here’s where your knowledge of Scripture becomes really important, because in order to be all the Bible claims, Jesus has to be both 100% man and 100% God. If He isn’t a man He couldn’t have been made like us in every way and suffered our temptations as Hebr. 2:17-18 claim; he couldn’t be our High Priest as Hebr. 4:14-15 assert; and he can’t be our redeemer because he wouldn’t be our next of kin as required by Lev. 25:47-48 and explained in Rom 5:18-19.If He isn’t God He couldn’t be King David’s Lord (Matt 22:41-45) He couldn’t be sinless (Rom 3:20) and He couldn’t be our Savior (Mark 2:6-12 and 1 Ptr 1: 18-21).
Is This a Cult?
Three things distinguish Christian cult beliefs from orthodox theology. The cults deny the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. You have to earn at least part of the salvation they offer. They also deny the notion of eternal punishment for sin. Everyone goes to some kind of Heaven. And most importantly, they deny the deity of Jesus. They portray Him as a great man and role model; a great teacher, a prophet, even a social revolutionary, but certainly not God.
In truth Jesus was all of that. But He was also much more. He was God in the form of man; the Father dwelling in the Son (Col 1:19). To think of Jesus as anyone other than God is to reject the truth concerning Him revealed through out His Word, and to put yourself at risk of trusting in the wrong Jesus for your eternal destiny. The Jesus of the Bible is the only one of the seven men named Jesus who is able to save you.
Could all the talk going on across the lake be what is stated in Matthew 24? Words and threats are being thrown around between Iran, Israel, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, N. Korea, Russia, Georgia, NATO. I’m not 100% sure how then end time all comes together. Is the one world government setup before the 3.5 years of peace that is put in place by the Anti-Christ or does it get implemented during the time of peace? I’m re-reading Revelation again and maybe even Daniel, to re-grasp whats to happen. Below is an article from a man who believes this peace that is talked about is the false peace that is mentioned in Revelation. All you keep hearing from the media is how the US and Israel are headed toward a clash. The US wants one thing, while Israel says the US doesn’t see from their perspective and wants it another way. The guy below thinks the US and Israel are putting on a front about hitting heads with each other. He believes there is going to be a victory for the Angelo Saxons against Hamas, Hezbullah and Iran.
“Events are now beginning to take shape in an astounding manner. Today the news has come that the US, backed by the other members of the Quartet; is deeply involved in developing a new Middle East Peace Plan. The details of the plan are expected to be announced in about six weeks, or in mid to late Jun. Based on this plan, a General Middle East Peace Conference will be called for the summer.
What makes this plan different? The Obama Administration is committing itself to make this work. Already Obama has convinced King Abdullah of Jordan to grant citizenship to Jordan's Palestinian refugees and has asked him to lobby the other Arab nations to do likewise as a part of the Arab Peace Plan. If they agree, this will go a very long way toward solving the Palestinian Right of Return problem. Doubtless Obama has some incentives to offer these leaders. Not the least of which is, protection from Iran.
Syria appears to be slowing moving toward the US and is beginning to put pressure on Hamas. Syria is still vacillating between Iran and the US and could still move either way. This decision will also decide whether Syria will be involved in the coming war.
Pope Benedict is to visit Jordan 8-11 May and Israel from 11-15 May. The trip is being dedicated to the promotion of peace and is intended to launch a Vatican push for peace. May 14 is the Israeli Independence Day memorial. On 18 May the Israeli PM Netanyahu travels to Washington to discuss the new Peace Plan while PA President Abbas will also visit Washington. The Obama Administration is wisely getting input from all the concerned parties and all the major world leaders, organizations and nations. This is finally a true; FULL COURT PRESS FOR PEACE.
Meanwhile the Gaza border is once again heating up with increasing violence and Egypt is to begin another round of Shalit talks in a matter of days. This will be the first talks involving the new Israeli government. I do believe that everyone knows that the Israeli security concerns; especially those regarding Hamas, Hezbullah and Iran, must be resolved before any peace deal can work. Once these serious security concerns have been resolved; PEACE IS ACHIEVABLE! ”
Is this the change you really voted for? President Obama has only been in office for two months. Now we have HR 1388. The Bill was sponsored by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) with 37 others. The Bill was introduced to the floor of the House of Representatives where both Republicans and Democrats voted 321-105 in favor. Next it goes to the Senate for a vote and then on to President Obama.
This bill’s title is called “Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education” (GIVE). It forms what some are calling “Obama’s Youth Brigade.” Obama’s plan is require anyone receiving school loans and others to serve at least three months as part of the brigade. His goal is one million youth! This has serious Nazi Germany overtones to it.
The Bill would forbid any student in the brigade to participate in “engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization.” That means no church attendance or witnessing.
Again, is this what America voted for? Here is part of the HR1388 Bill’s wording:
SEC. 1304. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 125 (42 U.S.C. 12575) is amended to read as follows:
SEC. 125. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Prohibited Activities- A participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle may not engage in the following activities:
(1) Attempting to influence legislation.
(2) Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes. …
(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization.
And finally
(10) Such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit.
Update: Bill passed in Senate March 26th, 2009. Senate Roll Call #115 Details H.R.1388: To reauthorize and reform the national service laws.
Update: April 1st, 2009. In the GIVE legislation, SEC. 1304. Section 125 was repealed in it's entirety from the bill. People who opposed the restrictions on church attendance rejoiced. However, closer examination reveals that the text listing Prohibited Activities was inserted further down in the bill in SEC. 1310 SEC 132A in it's entirety with the addition of even one more prohibited activity.
See text from edited bill here:
SEC. 1304. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONSCONFORMING REPEAL RELATING TO TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 125 (42 U.S.C. 12575) is amended to read as follows:‘SEC. 125. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.‘(a) Prohibited Activities- A participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle may not engage in the following activities:‘(1) Attempting to influence legislation.‘(2) Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes.‘(3) Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing.‘(4) Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements.‘(5) Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office.‘(6) Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials.‘(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization.‘(8) Providing a direct benefit to--‘(A) a business organized for profit;‘(B) a labor organization;‘(C) a partisan political organization;‘(D) a nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and‘(E) an organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph (7), unless Corporation assistance is not used to support those religious activities.‘(9) Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct a voter registration drive.‘(10) Such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit.‘(b) Ineligible Organizations- No assistance provided under this subtitle may be provided to the following types of organizations (including the participation of a participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle in activities conducted by such organizations) or to organizations that are co-located on the same premises as the following organizations:‘(1) Organizations that provide or promote abortion services, including referral for such services.‘(2) For-profit organizations, political parties, labor organizations, or organizations engaged in political or legislative advocacy.‘(3) Organizations that have been indicted for voter fraud.‘(c) Nondisplacement of Employed Workers or Other Volunteers- A participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle may not perform any services or duties or engage in activities which--‘(1) would otherwise be performed by an employed worker as part of his or her assigned duties as an employee or by another volunteer who is not a participant in an approved national service position; or‘(2) will supplant the hiring of employed workers or work of such other volunteers.’repealed.
(As stated above, the wording from SEC. 1304 was inserted further down in the bill into SEC. 1310 SEC 132A with the addition of even one more prohibited activity…see below) SEC. 1310. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.
Subtitle C of title I (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 132 the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘SEC. 132A. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.
‘(a) Prohibited Activities- An approved national service position under this subtitle may not be used for the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of proselytization, consistent with section 132. …CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(10) Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct a voter registration drive.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(11) Carrying out such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit.
